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OPINION

Letters to the editor: Park closures, self-service gas, an apology and District 5 congressional race

Salem Statesman Journal
Published 7:31 p.m. PT April 10, 2020

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Catch up on what you might have missed in Mid-Valley news from March 30 - April 3.
Wochit

Keep our spirits up by opening parks

Our local and state parks provide the best possible places to social distance and allow seniors, families with children and people with handicaps to get fresh air, exercise and lift spirits.

People are invigorated by strolling through nature; just what the doctor ordered to offset the malaise from being shut-in at home during this COVID-19 pandemic.

Numerous studies have shown the health benefits of exercise as opposed to couch-potato laxity. Depression and suicidal thoughts caused by fear of the virus and the isolation resulting from stay-at-home orders are bound to increase.

Concern for overloading our medical system are certainly legitimate, but let's not make the treatment produce a worse net result than the virus alone does.

Please, it's such a simple act to reopen the parks (OK, not Multnomah Falls) and let us keep our spirits up.

Most prefer attendants pumping gas

As I thought, some newbie to Oregon has suggested full-time self pump gas following the coronavirus issue. Sure it would be possible, but I, along with many — if not most — prefer the current system of no self-serve gas.

I have even written to my state representative and senator about the possibility of requiring some gas assistance at all stations in the U.S.

This one change in gas delivery options would provide thousands of jobs throughout the country. I personally know three people who picked up a temporary job of pumping gas after being laid off. Certainly not a career move, but putting money in their family coffers, without relying on unemployment money.

I really appreciate the efforts of those folks who pump my gas, relieving me of an otherwise dirty job on an cold Oregon winter day. Good job, folks.

A case against self-service gas stations

I am a 78-year-old disabled woman, how am I supposed to pump my own gas? I have arthritis in my hands and shoulders. No way can I handle the pump handle. If you are not disabled, it is hard to relate to people that are.

Gloria Ainsworth

Keizer

Apology for mask choice at board meeting

On March 30, I covered my face with a mask at a virtual school board meeting to protest an action the board was scheduled to vote on.

I made a bad choice in the mask I chose to wear: Cliff Robinson, the former Portland TrailBlazer. It has been shared with me that the choice was offensive to some community members.

I apologize that my choice offended anyone, and sincerely regret any discomfort my action may have caused. I apologize for my insensitivity and promise to make no such mistake again.

Paul Kyllo

Salem-Keizer Public Schools Board Director Zone 7

Salem

Letters continue below

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State leaders are urging Oregonians to stay home, even as spring blooms and draws visitors to Riverfront Park on April 9 and 10. Oregon Health Authority says, 'All non-essential travel should be short and minimal, if at all.'
Salem Statesman Journal

Support Polk County Commissioner candidate Danny Jaffer

Please vote for Danny Jaffer for Polk County Commissioner next month.

I have known Danny and his family for many years and the residents of our county could not do better than to have him guiding us through these difficult times. Danny is a retired Navy pilot and a natural-born leader. I have watched him in many complex situations calmly take charge of people and resources to find the correct outcomes.

As President of Central Lions Club or the Luckiamute Domestic Water District, Danny leads with intelligence and enthusiasm. When a friend has been in the hospital and needs help getting in his house, Danny comes through by building a handrail on the back steps. Whatever it takes, he comes through when help is most needed.

Born and raised in Polk County, Danny brings a skill set to the Board of Commissioners not seen in many years. Dedication to public service, smarts, compassion and leadership. Please vote for Danny Jaffer.

Michael Cairns

Independence

Mark Gamba can help fix our health care system

As a retired health care professional, I saw firsthand how our broken health care system caused people to defer or decline necessary care due to financial concerns.

It’s clearer now, more than ever, that universal health care delivery would both allow for better patient outcomes and be more cost-effective. It’s also the morally right thing to do!

Our current congressional representative in District 5, Kurt Schrader, has been a brick wall on this issue. After all, the pharmaceutical industry is his top campaign contributor.

In May, he faces a challenge from Milwaukie Mayor Mark Gamba, who is running a grassroots campaign and does not take corporate money. Gamba is a strong supporter of universal healthcare, as well as many other policies that put people’s needs ahead of profits.

It’s past time to change our representation in DC and move towards a sensible public health policy.

Rachael Atchison

Salem

Mark Gamba has proven to be a compassionate, bold leader

Like thousands of you, I’m worried about my family’s financial state due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The busy signal at the unemployment office is my mortal enemy.

A few days ago, I posted to social media that our family lost all of our income after a recent layoff. Milwaukie’s mayor, Mark Gamba, commented on my post and directed me as to what I should do next. While managing a city during a pandemic and simultaneously running for Congress, Mark helped me during one of my most vulnerable times.

Since the beginning of this health crisis, Mark has proven to be a compassionate and bold leader. Mark is one of the mayors that pushed Gov. Kate Brown to implement the stay-at-home order to help us flatten the curve. He has also been extremely vocal about calling for a Green New Deal that provides a job guarantee and universal healthcare.

Mark hosts virtual town halls to update the public and has viewer Q&As every Saturday. This is exactly the kind of leadership Oregonians need and deserve, and it is why I fully endorse Mark Gamba for Oregon’s Congressional 5th District.

Our president reminds me of Col. Klink

On the old Hogan’s Heroes TV show, the prisoner of war camp was run by a buffoon — a man who had no idea what he was doing but acted like he did.

In one episode, a bomb was dropped in the yard and Hogan was assigned to disarm it. It came down to two wires, one of which would blow the bomb up and the other would render it safe. Hogan asked Klink which one to cut and he picked the red one. Hogan then cut the blue one, which angered Klink, who yelled that if Hogan knew the correct one to cut why did he ask him. Hogan answered that he didn’t know, only that he knew Klink would pick the wrong one.

That is who we have leading our country through this virus. A Col. Klink who knows nothing, but acts like he does.

Jim Bingham

Silverton

Laundry list of wrongdoing

It would be nice to be able to give President Trump a grade of "C" or above. However, even if I overlook his wrongdoings — such as collaborating with Russia to get elected, scuttling Obamacare, separating immigrant children from their families, trash-talking women and men of color and the media other than Fox News by calling them fake news, obstructing justice, etc. — it is impossible to overlook how he is handling the coronavirus crisis.

He has no plan for the distribution of needed equipment and personnel, fails to listen to scientists and doctors as he delivers conflicting suggestions for overcoming the crisis, fires key people because they disagree with him and deflects attention from important issues to those that concern his ability to get re-elected or his impeachment.

Trump is a disgrace to the office and should resign. He is trashing this country as he does everything to bolster his popularity with his base.